What does tinnitus sound like?

 

Do you have persistent ringing in the ears? You may be experiencing tinnitus—a common condition that, according to The American Tinnitus Association (ATA), affects more than 50 million American adults. While annoying, it's generally not harmful. 

Tinnitus can vary from a soft, barely noticeable hum to a loud, distracting roar, and it might be constant or come and go. Understanding your tinnitus symptoms is the first step toward finding relief and getting the help you need.

What does tinnitus sound like?

"My ears are ringing." That's the standard way most people describe tinnitus, but in reality there can be a lot of variation. You may experience buzzing, hissing, or whistling in one or both of your ears.

Additionally, common descriptions include hearing:

• Cicadas 
• Wind 
• Crickets 
• Fluorescent lights
• Squeals
• Grinding steel
• Dripping tap water

Some people even say it sounds like a motorboat or car engine in their ears. 

People often experience these phantom sounds in both ears, but you can experience tinnitus in one ear as well.

Hearing your heartbeat in your ears? 

Do you feel like you can hear your pulse or the blood rushing through your head? This is known as pulsatile tinnitus. While it can be benign, if you have this symptom it's important to make an appointment with your doctor right away.

Some cases of pulsatile tinnitus are linked to serious conditions like cancer, stroke, aneurysm or high blood pressure. Less serious causes include vitamin deficiency and anemia.

How long do tinnitus symptoms last?

The duration of ringing or buzzing can vary quite a bit from person to person. Occasional bouts of noise that lasts a few seconds is considered "transient" tinnitus and something most people experience from time to time.

Chronic tinnitus, on the other hand, means the sounds last longer and happen more regularly. To be considered chronic, a person usually has to experience tinnitus episodes that last at least five minutes and occur at least twice a week.

In a 2016 survey of American adults with tinnitus, nearly a third reported having symptoms nearly constantly. About the same number of people noticed tinnitus at bedtime.

Some people also experience tinnitus spikes, where the sound increases or intensifies temporarily.

What causes ringing in the ears?

Tinnitus is usually considered a symptom of many different medical conditions, rather than a disease itself. 

One of the most common causes of tinnitus is hearing loss. In fact, research shows that up to 90% of people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss. That’s why, along with the ringing or buzzing in your ears, you might also have trouble understanding speech or picking up high-pitched sounds.

However, sometimes a medical cause can't be uncovered. In that case, tinnitus can be considered a chronic disease in and of itself.

Movement and noise can trigger buzzing in ears for some

Different triggers can increase or bring on tinnitus depending on the person, with certain movements and noise bringing on two specific types.

• Somatic tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing changes in some way when you tense, manipulate, or apply pressure to the muscles in your face, head, jaw, or neck.
• Reactive tinnitus: Can be triggered by average, everyday sounds at almost any volume.  

Can tinnitus affect mental health?

Yes, in particular for people who deal with frequent tinnitus symptoms. 

Living with constant ringing in your ears can be frustrating. It may make it harder to sleep, focus, or get through your day the way you used to. Over time, this can lead to increased stress or anxiety—especially if tinnitus is affecting your work or daily routines.

Many people who have tinnitus often describe a connection between tinnitus perception and stress. It can lead some to suffer from depression or even thoughts of suicide in response to the persistent buzzing or ringing that feels inescapable. 

In addition to medical treatments, behavioral strategies can make the sound easier to cope with as well as improve your mental health and quality of life.

Treatment options for tinnitus

Sometimes treating the cause of your tinnitus (such as removing an earwax blockage) can resolve the buzzing in your ear. However, there is no universal cure.

Instead, tinnitus treatment options focus more on managing symptoms and can include things like hearing aids, habituation, sound masking and cognitive behavioral techniques.

Why tracking your tinnitus symptoms can help

Having a good grasp of the sounds you hear, when you hear them and how often you hear them may be able to help your hearing care professional or physician determine the best way to treat your tinnitus. Keeping a symptom diary for a few weeks is a good idea.

What to expect during a tinnitus evaluation

If tinnitus is taking a toll on your quality of life, seek an evaluation from a hearing specialist. At your appointment, they’ll likely ask a series of questions to get a full picture of your symptoms, such as:

• How long have you been experiencing tinnitus?
• Is it constant or does it come and go?
• Are certain times of day worse than others?
• Which ear is affected—or is it both?
• How loud is the sound?
• Is the pitch high or low?
• Is it mildly annoying or very disruptive?
• Do things like loud noise or caffeine make it worse?
• Does the sound ever change?
• Do you also notice signs of hearing loss?

Get help from a hearing professional

Before your first visit, take time to note your symptoms, when they occur, and what makes them better or worse. This information will help your provider make the most of your evaluation.

If you're ready to take the next step, visit our directory of hearing care providers. Not all clinics treat tinnitus, so be sure to check each provider’s services. With the right support, tinnitus can become much more manageable—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.